Christmas Day may be over, but for most Ticos the holiday celebrations will continue until the New Year. For residents of the greater San José metro area, December 25th is the day when the greatly anticipated Feria del Zapote, located just a few kilometers east of downtown San José, happens. The Health Ministry gave the green light to the annual festivities which include bull runs, fireworks, live music, amusement rides, games, drinks, and delicious food.

The northern border conflict with Nicaragua will continue to unfold. Online news publication El País reported on comments that former guerilla fighter, and now dredging supervisor, Edén Pastora has recently given to the press. According to Pastora, Costa Rica is now in a tight spot due to the construction of a new highway which will run parallel to the San Juan river. The environmental impact from the road construction has not yet been divulged by the current administration.

Television newscast reported that both OIJ and the Interpol are looking for a French businessman who is listed as the founder of PIP, a biomedical enterprise that is believed to have manufactured thousands of defective breast implants. Jean Claude Mas was once detained in Costa Rica on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The ninth stage of the Vuelta Ciclística a Costa Rica, known as the President’s Circuit, was not taken by a Tico rider. That honor went to Joris de Boer from the Netherlands. The 47th edition of the annual bicycle challenge will continue this week.

Two Ticas who have found success in the entertainment world abroad are home for the holidays. According to Costa Rica Hoy, Pop singer and avid surfer Debi Nova is in Guanacaste, while actress Maribel Guardia -a legendary beauty who is also staple of Mexican television- was recently photographed in Mexico City boarding a flight to San José with her son just before Christmas Eve.

Two attorneys and environmental activists are seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees from Canadian mining firm Infinito Gold. The work of the lawyers was crucial in blocking the mining company from prospecting the soil of Crucitas in the Alajuela province, a region believed to be holding valuable gold reserves.

Thousands of horses and their riders will march through Downtown San José traditional Tope (equestrian parade) on Monday morning. The weather forecast for the Tope promises lots of sunshine and cool breezes.